Apollo 11 moon landing to be brought to life as an Oculus VR experience

An innovative gaming start-up may have created what could be a best-seller this Christmas – the Apollo 11 moon landing through the lens of a virtual reality (VR) headset.

Immersive VR Education, a tech start-up supported by Waterford Institute of Technology’s TSSG (Telecommunications Software and Systems Group), has confirmed the virtual reality experience will be brought to market in time for Christmas.

Immersive VR Education’s CEO Dave Whelan told delegates at the recent TSSG industry day that they are on the verge of huge change in education and says the reaction from schools to their virtual reality headset game has been astounding.

The VR experience works on Oculus Rift and demos can be viewed on Mac and Windows.

One giant step for education

“We’re getting some revenue together from Kickstarter, we’re building our team, selling hard and will be ready by Christmas,” he revealed.

Whelan also revealed plans to launch to the US market next year, with a major showcase planned at former astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s hometown, Montclair, New Jersey.

Waterford Institute of Technology’s TSSG CEO Barry Downes said everything the companies do at the incubation hubs in Waterford and Kilkenny is based on the model of breaking new ground, inventing new things, and having an economic impact not just on the region but on Ireland, as well.

“We’ve got 65 companies based in Kilkenny and Waterford incubators over the past 10 years. We have 23 client companies based between the two counties employing 130 staff. We’ve supported five spin-outs over the past five years, including FeedHenry Ltd, we’ve 15 licences, 19 innovation partners and 365 Innovation Vouchers,” Downes said.